Slalom skateboarders from across Europe, the Americas, Asia and Oceania gathered in Asunción for the World Skate Games ASU26, bringing speed, precision and a shared passion for racing to three days of world championship competition. From Giant Slalom to the head-to-head intensity of Hybrid and Tight Slalom, the event rewarded versatility, composure and consistency — and crowned champions whose performances will be remembered well beyond Paraguay.

Latvia’s Remarkable Championship

Latvia delivered a commanding performance in the men’s field. Janis Kuzmins captured gold in both Hybrid and Tight Slalom and claimed the men’s overall world championship. After finishing sixth in Giant Slalom, he was nearly unstoppable in the two head-to-head disciplines.

Countrymen Gustavs Gailītis and Toms Dreiblats joined Kuzmins on both Hybrid and Tight Slalom podiums, giving Latvia a remarkable clean sweep on two consecutive race days. The same trio finished first, second and third in the men’s overall standings. Artūrs Liskovs added Giant Slalom bronze, while Dominika Ozoliņa won women’s Hybrid Slalom gold and placed third overall — a powerful display of Latvian talent across the championship.

For Gustavs Gailītis and Dominika Ozoliņa, the championships also carried a special family significance. The siblings are part of a Latvian slalom family with deep roots in the sport. Gustavs’ late father, Gints Gailītis, was a pioneering figure in Latvian slalom skateboarding, and the family’s continued success reflects a sporting tradition that extends across generations. With Gustavs and Dominika both earning medals at ASU26, their achievements added another proud chapter to that history.

Lynn Kramer Makes History — Again — for the USA

American slalom great Lynn Kramer reached an extraordinary milestone, winning the women’s overall world championship for the 18th time. She opened with Giant Slalom gold, followed by Hybrid silver and Tight bronze — a medal in every discipline and another overall crown to add to her remarkable career.

As younger challengers continue to raise the bar, Kramer’s ability to answer the call remains exceptional. The United States also celebrated Collin Kruse’s Giant Slalom victory: at his third World Skate Games appearance, he earned his first gold medal and world championship title. Sarah Byrd took Giant Slalom bronze, while rising talent Leiola Kahaku captured Tight Slalom silver. For Byrd and Kahaku, these were their first World Skate Games podium finishes.

Czech Talent Takes Center Stage

Eighteen-year-old Emily Martinů emerged as one of ASU26’s standout performers. After winning Hybrid Slalom bronze, she raced to women’s Tight Slalom gold and finished second overall. A junior women’s world champion at the 2023 World Championships in Oregon, Emily celebrated her first world title in the women’s division in Asunción — a significant step in an already promising career.

The Czech Republic’s strong showing also included Eliška Stránská’s Giant Slalom silver and Petr Martinů’s silver in the men’s Giant Slalom. Emily and Petr are cousins; Petr and fellow competitor Lukáš Martinů are brothers. Their shared presence on the international circuit reflects a wider strength of Czech slalom: talented young racers building on a deep competitive tradition and making their mark on the world stage.

Every Run Counts

Slalom demands explosive acceleration, flowing rhythm and split-second decisions. Giant Slalom rewards riders who carry momentum through fast, sweeping turns; Hybrid and Tight Slalom bring the added intensity of side-by-side racing, where the smallest error can decide a match. Qualifying was a contest in its own right: only the fastest 16 men advanced to the head-to-head elimination rounds, raising the stakes from the first timed runs.

Rain curtailed the official practice session, but an efficiently run Giant Slalom day opened a welcome opportunity for additional head-to-head practice. Sunshine returned for championship racing, and the athletes responded with three memorable days of competition.

Celebrating Slalom’s Past and Future

ASU26 also celebrated the community and history surrounding the racing. Longtime contributor Jani Söderhäll produced a commemorative edition of Slalom magazine, distributed on site to athletes and attendees. The publication revisited the previous World Skate Games in Italy, recent major competitions, and influential people and milestones in the sport’s modern resurgence. Its return continued a publishing tradition revived for the 2024 Games after a long hiatus.

The championships also offered tangible rewards for excellence: a $10,000 USD cash prize purse, divided equally between the men’s and women’s overall classifications and awarded to the top five finishers in each. Yet the spirit of ASU26 extended beyond medals and prize money, as established champions and rising talents celebrated together after the final awards ceremonies.

The excitement of ASU26 reached far beyond the racecourse, with three days of live coverage bringing the competition to viewers around the world. World Skate’s broadcast team captured the speed, precision and intensity of the racing, giving audiences a front-row seat to the action.

As ISSA President and a member of the commentary team, it was a particular honor to share these races with an international audience. The outstanding camerawork and dedicated production crew provided an exceptional vantage point from which to appreciate the athletes’ performances and convey the excitement of championship racing.

The International Slalom Skateboarding Association extends its sincere appreciation to World Skate for once again providing the opportunity to showcase our sport on the world stage. We are equally grateful to the Paraguayan local organizing committee, technical officials, volunteers and everyone whose dedication made these championships possible.

ASU26 was another memorable chapter in slalom skateboarding’s rich history — celebrating established champions, welcoming emerging talent and strengthening the international community that carries the sport forward. We look forward to building on this momentum together.

FINAL RESULTS

GIANT SLALOM

Men

1. Collin Kruse (USA)

2. Petr Martinú (CZE)

3. Artūrs Liskovs (LAT)

Women

1. Lynn Kramer (USA)

2. Eliska Stranska (CZE)

3. Sarah Byrd (USA)

HYBRID SLALOM

Men

1. Janis Kuzmins (LAT)

2. Toms Dreiblats (LAT)

3. Gustavs Gailitis (LAT)

Women

1. Dominika Ozolina (LAT)

2. Lynn Kramer (USA)

3. Emily Martinú (CZE)

TIGHT SLALOM

Men

1. Janis Kuzmins (LAT)

2. Gustavs Gailitis (LAT)

3. Toms Dreiblats (LAT)

Women

1. Emily Martinú (CZE)

2. Leiola Kahaku (USA)

3. Lynn Kramer (USA)